Forever chemicals and pesticides under Trump: what to know
Since returning to power, President Donald Trump's administration has approved five pesticides considered by many to be PFAS "forever chemicals," a class of toxic substances facing bans and increasing restrictions around the world.
President Donald Trump's administration has approved five pesticides considered to be PFAS, or "forever chemicals," a class of toxic substances facing bans and restrictions worldwide. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a different definition of PFAS that excludes these new herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, claiming they pose no threat to human health.
Scientists and nonprofit groups argue that these chemicals may have hidden risks, with many breaking down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), found in global drinking water and potentially linked to serious harms such as fetal and reproductive damage. The controversy surrounding these pesticides highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between agricultural productivity and public health, with many calling for clearer boundaries and regulations around this class of chemicals.
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